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Emergencies

A Strange or unusual smell in the area of pipeline.
Discoloration of vegetation surrounding the pipeline in an otherwise green area.
Bubbling in wet areas, marshlands, rivers or creeks, or an oily or multi-colored sheen appearing on water surfaces.
Flames originating from the ground or valves along the pipeline route.
Petroleum Hazards

Petroleum products are flammable, may be poisonous if inhaled and may contain chemicals that cause cancer.
Petroleum products may have a gaseous odor, their vapors are heavier than air and will tend to collect in low-lying areas.
Signs of a Propane Pipeline Release

A slight mist of ice or a frozen area on exposed pipes, valves or the ground.
A dense white cloud of fog.
Propane is odorless and transported in pipelines as a high-pressure liquid that will vaporize if released into the air.
Propane Hazards

Propane is extremely flammable and explosive.
Propane is heavier than air; will tend to collect in low-lying places and may form a liquid pool.
Contact with propane liquid may result in frostbite.
Signs of a Natural Gas Pipeline Release

A loud roar or squeal from the area of a pipeline.
A natural gas odor.
Fire or explosion.
Continuous flying debris or water from an excavation or pipeline.
Bubbling in wet areas, marshlands, rivers or creeks.
Natural Gas Hazards

Natural gas is flammable and explosive.
Natural gas will displace air and cause dizziness or loss of consciousness.
Natural gas is lighter than air and will rise from a leak source.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT A LEAK

Do leave the area or building immediately, by foot, in a direction away from the vapors and fumes.
Do avoid anything that could cause the vapors to ignite.
Do not light a match, start an engine, operate any electrical device (telephone, light switch, doorbell, garage door opener, etc.). Avoid carpeted areas that could cause a static electric spark.
Do not take time to open windows, turn off pilot lights or other equipment.
Do not ventilate the affected area. It will make detecting the specific site of the leak virtually impossible.
Do call Security at X6999 and Facility Services at X6602 and/or the fuel supplier from a remote location.
Do not drive into or near the area around the leak.
Do not try to extinguish a fire on a pipeline or operate any pipeline equipment.
Do warn others to stay away from area.

Activate the fire alarm by pulling a fire alarm pull station (located by exit doors).
Once a pull station is activated, the fire horns will sound.
Evacuate the building.
Only persons trained in using fire extinguishers are authorized to use them.

When the fire alarm is sounding:

If time permits, always turn off the equipment you are operating.
If you are on the phone, politely end the call.
eave the building using the nearest accessible exit route.
Report to your designated head count location.
Check in with your supervisor.

You should remain in the head count location until you are given further instructions.

Note: Know where your head count location is. All head count locations are listed below. If you have any questions, ask your supervisor.

Knowing what to do when you see a tornado, or when you hear a tornado warning, can help protect you and your family. During a tornado, people face hazards from extremely high winds and risk being struck by flying and falling objects. After a tornado, the wreckage left behind poses additional injury risks. Although nothing can be done to prevent tornadoes, there are actions you can take for your health and safety.

Signs of an Approaching Storm
Some tornadoes strike rapidly, without time for a tornado warning, and sometimes without a thunderstorm in the vicinity. When you are watching for rapidly emerging tornadoes, it is important to know that you cannot depend on seeing a funnel: clouds or rain may block your view. The following weather signs may mean that a tornado is approaching:

A dark or green-colored sky.
A large, dark, low-lying cloud.
Large hail.
A loud roar that sounds like a freight train.

If you notice any of these weather conditions, take cover immediately, and keep tuned to local radio and TV stations or to a NOAA weather radio.

Taking Shelter
Your family could be anywhere when a tornado strikes--at home, at work, at school, or in the car. Discuss with your family where the best tornado shelters are and how family members can protect themselves from flying and falling debris. The key to surviving a tornado and reducing the risk of injury lies in planning, preparing, and practicing what you and your family will do if a tornado strikes. Flying debris causes most deaths and injuries during a tornado. Although there is no completely safe place during a tornado, some locations are much safer than others.

Office Buildings, Schools, Hospitals, Churches, and Other Public Buildings
Extra care is required in offices, schools, hospitals, or any building where a large group of people is concentrated in a small area. The exterior walls of such buildings often have large windows. If you are in any of these buildings--

Move away from windows and glass doorways.
Go to the innermost part of the building on the lowest possible floor.
Do not use elevators because the power may fail, leaving you trapped.
Protect your head and make yourself as small a target as possible by crouching down.

Long-Span Buildings
A long-span building, such as a shopping mall, theater, or gymnasium, is especially dangerous because the roof structure is usually supported solely by the outside walls. Most such buildings hit by tornados cannot withstand the enormous pressure. They simply collapse.
If you are in a long-span building during a tornado, stay away from windows. Get to the lowest level of the building--the basement if possible--and away from the windows.
If there is no time to get to a tornado shelter or to a lower level, try to get under a door frame or get up against something that will support or deflect falling debris. For instance, in a department store, get up against heavy shelving or counters. In a theater, get under the seats. Remember to protect your head.

If a tornado watch is in place, or if a funnel cloud is spotted, the Emergency Broadcasting System will be activated and warnings for affected areas will be given. (Most severe storms come from the southwest and move between 20 and 40m.ph. towards the northeast.)If a Tornado Warning is issued for Outagamie County, the city of Appleton will inform the residents using the tornado siren. Students, faculty, and staff should report to a designated tornado shelter or the lowest level of the building and away from windows. Usually the sturdiest part of a building away from windows, is located in the basement or lower level stairwells.
During the week Monday through Friday during severe weather, the Facility Services office (or an authorized back up person) monitors the weather. On second and third shifts, Security monitors the weather.

If a Tornado or severe storm warning siren occurs:
Proceed immediately to the closest shelter, usually the lowest level in a building and away from all windows.
If you are out of your work area, respond to the closest shelter.
Do not leave the building you are in, stay in your shelter until all clear is announced.
Tornado and severe storm training is conducted on an annual basis.

Bloodborne Pathogens are viruses present in human blood and body fluids that can cause disease in humans, like Hepatitis B and the Aids Virus.

Whenever blood or body fluid is present, you should abide by universal precautions ‑treat all such substances as infected. Employees discovering spilled blood or body fluids should not attempt to clean it up, but should notify their supervisor.

At Lawrence we have employees who are trained and who have the necessary personal protective equipment to clean up such spills. Contact a custodian or security if a blood spill needs to be cleaned up in your area.

Since some viruses can live on work surfaces for up to two weeks, it is vital that all contaminated areas be cleaned and disinfected properly.

Sharps containers are located throughout campus to dispose of contaminated razor blades or needles. These items should never be disposed of in the normal trash.

If you feel you have been exposed to another employee's blood or body fluid, contact Human Resources at ext. 6543 to ensure that you get the proper medical treatment.

Always clean up any spills as soon as discovered, or place floor signs warning others of wet floors until it is cleaned up.

It’s recommended that during the winter time when icy conditions exist, to wear footwear that is slip-resistant until arriving at your work station. Once inside, one can change into dress shoes.

During winter months always watch for and avoid if possible walking over surfaces that appear shinny and dark on asphalt or shinny and clear on concrete. The grounds crew keeps sidewalks salted, but sometimes areas can melt and then refreeze if weather conditions change quickly.

Always report any slip and/or fall to your supervisor, and the location where the incident happened, and the condition of the surface at the time. With this information we can try to eliminate future incidents.

Even though Wisconsin summer temperatures are usually lower than the southern states, when the temperature rises so does the danger of heat exhaustion. The combination of heat, humidity and physical labor brings special hazards for those exposed to these conditions. Elevated body temperatures can cause problems as simple as physical discomfort or as serious as death. For anyone who must work outdoors or indoors where there is little or no air conditioning, a wave of extreme heat can turn the workplace into a dangerous environment.

Know What These Terms Mean...

Heat wave: Prolonged period of excessive heat and humidity. The National Weather Service steps up its procedures to alert the public during these periods of excessive heat and humidity.

Heat index: A number in degrees Fahrenheit (F) that tells how hot it really feels when relative humidity is added to the actual air temperature. Exposure to full sunshine can increase the heat index by 15 degrees F.

More informational links from the National Weather Service

Heat IndexEquation Ulra Violet Radiation Safety

Here are some signs and symptoms of heat-related conditions, along with tips on how to handle them if they occur.

HEAT RASH -Commonly known as prickly heat, heat rash often affects clothed areas of the skin. The skin around sweat ducts becomes inflamed and causes itching, tingling and a rash-like eruption of red pimples. It is less likely to occur when you are wearing loose-fitting clothing.

Treatment: A cool shower followed with a light dusting of corn starch or talcum powder can ease the discomfort. Heat rash usually goes away on its own, but the symptoms may persist for several days before disappearing. HEAT STRESS - Heat Stress can occur when a person is exposed to high heat and over-exertion. Symptoms of heat stress are thirst, tiredness, dizziness and sometimes-blurred vision.

Treatment: Get the person out of the sun and into a cooler place and give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not give liquids with alcohol or caffeine in them, as they can make conditions worse. HEAT CRAMPS - Prolonged work in high temperatures can cause profuse sweating, depleting your body of sodium chloride. This can result in sudden, painful cramps in the skeletal muscles---arms, legs or abdomen.

Treatment: Get the person out of the sun and into cooler place and have him or her rest in a comfortable position. Lightly stretch the affected muscle and replenish fluids. Give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not give liquids with alcohol or caffeine in them, as they can make conditions worse. Avoid a recurrence by taking foods and liquids that will help your body replace lost salt. HEAT EXHAUSTION - Feeling weak or dizzy? Dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, profuse sweating, extreme thirst and headaches are all symptoms of heat exhaustion. Over-exposure to heat or over-exertion in high temperatures causes it and immediate attention is crucial.

Treatment: Get the person out of the heat and into a cooler place. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths, such as towels or sheets. If the person is conscious, give cool water to drink. Make sure the person drinks slowly. Give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not give liquids that contain alcohol or caffeine in them, as they can make conditions worse. Let the victim rest in a comfortable position with their feet elevated slightly, and watch carefully for changes in his or her condition. Heat exhaustion is a more serious reaction than heat stress and recuperation can take longer. Heat exhaustion victims should be treated immediately, it is usually not life threatening. HEAT STROKE - By far the most serious heat-related condition, heat stroke CAN kill. The importance of avoiding the level of exposure to heat that can lead to heatstroke cannot be overemphasized. Heat stroke is marked by cessation of sweating and extremely high body temperature as high as 105 degrees F. Victims are often disoriented and confused. Their skin may be hot to the touch. Effects of heat stroke also include nausea, vomiting, seizures and shortness of breath. Collapse is not uncommon and death is distinctly possible.

Treatment: Help is needed fast. Call 9-1-1, heat stroke is a life-threatening situation. Contacting emergency medical personnel as soon as possible.. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the body. Immerse victim in a cool bath, or wrap wet sheets around the body and fan it. Watch for signals of breathing problems. Keep the person lying down and continue to cool the body any way you can. If the victim refuses water or is vomiting or there are changes in the level of consciousness, do not give anything to eat or drink. Awareness and preparation are the first and best means of defense against heat-related ailments. Learn the symptoms and the appropriate first aid techniques. Help yourself by always using sunscreen when spending any significant amount of time outdoors, by selecting light, loose-fitting clothing for hot weather, and by including nutritious foods in your diet.

Employers can help their workers by scheduling heavy work for mornings and evenings. If heavy work during midday cannot be avoided, frequent rest periods should be scheduled in a location out of direct sunlight. If there is no such location nearby, a temporary shelter can be put up. Workers should have plenty of liquids available to them, and the first aid kit should include icepacks.

Taking the time to rest and replenish liquids will save time that could be lost to recuperation. We can all stay safer by staying cool.

Frostbite
What Happens to the Body: FREEZING IN DEEP LAYERS OF SKIN AND TISSUE; PALE, WAXY-WHITE SKIN COLOR; SKIN BECOMES HARD and NUMB; USUALLY AFFECTS THE FINGERS, HANDS, TOES, FEET, EARS, and NOSE.

What Should Be Done: (land temperatures)
Move the person to a warm dry area.
Don’t leave the person alone.
Remove any wet or tight clothing that may cut off blood flow to the affected area.
DO NOT rub the affected area, because rubbing causes damage to the skin and tissue.
Gently place the affected area in a warm (105°F) water bath and monitor the water temperature to slowly warm the tissue.
Don’t pour warm water directly on the affected area because it will warm the tissue too fast causing tissue damage. Warming takes about 25-40 minutes.
After the affected area has been warmed, it may become puffy and blister.
The affected area may have a burning feeling or numbness. When normal feeling, movement, and skin color have returned, the affected area should be dried and wrapped to keep it warm. NOTE: If there is a chance the affected area may get cold again, do not warm the skin. If the skin is warmed and then becomes cold again, it will cause severe tissue damage.
Seek medical attention as soon as possible.

What Should Be Done: (land temperatures)
Call for emergency help (i.e., Ambulance or Call 911).
Move the person to a warm, dry area.
Don’t leave the person alone.
Remove any wet clothing and replace with warm, dry clothing or wrap the person in blankets.
Have the person drink warm, sweet drinks (sugar water or sports-type drinks) if they are alert. Avoid drinks with caffeine (coffee, tea, or hot chocolate) or alcohol.
Have the person move their arms and legs to create muscle heat. If they are unable to do this, place warm bottles or hot packs in the arm pits, groin, neck, and head areas. DO NOT rub the person’s body or place them in warm water bath. This may stop their heart.

What Should Be Done: (water temperatures)
Call for emergency help (Ambulance or Call 911).
Body heat is lost up to 25 times faster in water.
DO NOT remove any clothing. Button, buckle, zip, and tighten any collars, cuffs, shoes, and hoods because the layer of trapped water closest to the body provides a layer of insulation that slows the loss of heat. Keep the head out of the water and put on a hat or hood.
Get out of the water as quickly as possible or climb on anything floating. DO NOT attempt to swim unless a floating object or another person can be reached because swimming or other physical activity uses the body’s heat and reduces survival time by about 50 percent.
If getting out of the water is not possible, wait quietly and conserve body heat by folding arms across the chest, keeping thighs together, bending knees, and crossing ankles. If another person is in the water, huddle together with chests held closely.

How to Protect Workers
Recognize the environmental and workplace conditions that lead to potential cold-induced illnesses and injuries.
Learn the signs and symptoms of cold-induced illnesses/injuries and what to do to help the worker.
Train the workforce about cold-induced illnesses and injuries.
Select proper clothing for cold, wet, and windy conditions. Layer clothing to adjust to changing environmental temperatures. Wear a hat and gloves, in addition to underwear that will keep water away from the skin (polypropylene).
Take frequent short breaks in warm dry shelters to allow the body to warm up.
Perform work during the warmest part of the day.
Avoid exhaustion or fatigue because energy is needed to keep muscles warm.
Use the buddy system (work in pairs).
Drink warm, sweet beverages (sugar water, sports-type drinks). Avoid drinks with caffeine (coffee, tea, or hot chocolate) or alcohol.
Eat warm, high-calorie foods like hot pasta dishes.

Workers Are at Increased Risk When...
They have predisposing health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension.
They take certain medication (check with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacy and ask if any medicines you are taking affect you while working in cold environments).
They are in poor physical condition, have a poor diet, or are older.